Euonymus atropurpureusIndiana Native
Eastern Wahoo
Other Common Names: American Burning Bush, Wahoo

Family:

Celastraceae (Bittersweet Family) 12

Genus:

Euonymus (Spindle Tree Euonymus Burning Bush Bush, Burning Spindletree Tree, Spindle) 11

Plant Type:

Shrub/Tree 80

Growth Forms:

Upright 576

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 4 520

Deciduous / Evergreen:

Deciduous 839

Flower Notes:

Purple (Deep, dark purple.)

Foliage Notes:

Green (Dark green in summer.); Red (Brilliant red fall color)

Stem Notes:

Green (slender, glabrous, slight corky lines)

Fruit Notes:

Red (Crimson red capsules)

Ultimate Height:

12-24 feet

Ultimate Spread:

15-25 feet

Bloom Times:

Light Requirements:

Soil Water Requirements:

Medium 203

Soil Notes:

Prefers moist, well drained soils, pH adaptable.

Range:

Eastern United states, north to Minnesota, and west to Texas

Maintenance:

High 16

Diagnostic Characteristics:

Leaves are opposite, simple, elliptic, to ovate-elliptic, 1 1/2 to 5" long, 3/4 to 2 1/4" wide, acuminate, serrulate, dark green, pubescent beneath; petiole - 1/3 to 2/3" long. Buds are small, green tinged red, appressed, with 5 to 6 scales. Stems are slender, greenish, glabrous, usually more or less (mostly less) 4-angled, often with slight, corky lines. Fruit capsules are smooth, 3/5" diameter, deeply 4-lobed, and crimson when ripe. Seeds bright red and appear when capsules split open.

Ecological Functions:

Purdue Plant Doctor

Parts and Problems of Burning Bush; Winter Creeper

Special Characteristics:

Fall Color 238

Indiana Native 162

Tolerant of Poor Site Conditions 187

Wet Soil Tolerant 109

Additional Information

The Easter Wahoo is an Indiana native shrub/small tree that can be found in open woods or along forest edges and is grown for its attractive red fruits and great fall color. Due to its irregular habit, the Eastern Wahoo can be an issue in the formal landscape, but regular pruning can fix this issue. Far less invasive than the infamous Euonymus alatus (Winged Euonymus or Burning Bush). Flowers are small, rich purple that bloom in mid-summer. Bright red fruit capsules ripen in early fall, attracting wildlife. Great shrub/small tree selection for a rain garden.